Method and apparatus for making a dental prosthesis and product therefrom

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for making and method for forming a dental prosthesis in situ in an edentulouos space defined either adjacent to two existing teeth or between a fixed tooth and a second tooth posterially positioned with respect to the first tooth, and lightly touching the associated gum surface, utilizes a bridge bar assembly having at least one shaped connecting member to be adjustably mounted and connected in the drilled grooves of adjacent teeth, a boss on the bridge bar assembly, and a pontic base adjustably mounted on the boss such that when the bridge bar assembly is in assembled position in the edentulous space for connection to the teeth, the pontic base lightly touches the gum, two spaced mold halves can be placed on the buccal and lingual sides of the edentulous space in which the bridge bar assembly is mounted, (or alternatively, two mold halves with predetermined holes to receive each end of the bridge bar and to permit retention and packing of plastic or pontic forming material), the pontic base can be adjusted relative the associated gum surface to fix the connecting member for the bridge bar assembly relative the drilled section of the teeth, and the edentulous space between the mold halves can be filled with a pontic forming material to form the pontic surrounding the boss on the bridge bar assembly; making the pontic forming material catalytically or chemically set; removing the mold halves; removing the assembly and polishing the sides and undersurface of the pontic or pontics; partially filling the grooves with a filler material; cementing the connecting member in the drilled grooves of the teeth to secure the pontic or pontics in the edentulous space; and applying a cosmetic veneer to the formed pontic or pontics.

This is a division, of application Ser. No. 903,641, filed 9/2/86 andnow U.S. Pat. No. 4,713,005 issued 12/15/87.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus forconstructing a pontic or pontics to fill an edentulous space adjacent toexisting teeth or between two existing teeth and, more particularly, isdirected to a method and apparatus for making a pontic or pontics insitu, with minimal adjustments, in one visit.

The formation or fabrication of a dental bridge to span a gap betweentwo teeth, with one or more pontics, or to replace a missing tooth usinga cantilevered pontic applied to one or more teeth, is well known in theart. The most common method of replacing a missing tooth or teeth istermed fixed coverage. Generally, the tooth or teeth adjacent to themissing tooth or teeth are ground down, and this usually requiresanesthesia. Thereafter, an impression is taken of the missing tooth orteeth and the adjacent teeth by use of dental impression trays. Aninterim plastic dental prosthesis or bridge is then usually formed tocover the prepared teeth. This generally completes the end of the firstvisit with the dentist.

The impressions are then sent to a laboratory, where a set of modelteeth are formed from the impressions made with the impression trays. Abridge framework is constructed at the laboratory to fit over theadjacent teeth and to provide a false tooth or teeth (pontic(s)) betweenthe teeth, from the impressions. This prosthesis framework, orindividual copings, is sent back to the dentist, and the patient then,during a second appointment, has the dental framework or copings testedfor fit to the ground down teeth. If the framework or copings of thefuture dental prosthesis does not fit properly, the above procedure mayhave to be repeated.

Once the dentist gets to the next stage, either with the directly castframework or after soldering and connecting copings to create a wellfitting framework where it is determined that the framework fitsproperly, the bridge framework is returned to the laboratory for theapplication of proper tooth color and returned to the dentist for biteadjustment. Once the bite is ground in, the bridge is returned to thelaboratory for final glazing and the like. If the final tooth color iswrong, the bridge may have to be sent back to the laboratory for anadditional adjustment.

As a result of the above procedure, the patient may experience four tosix visits at the dental office to obtain the fixed bridge, at aconsiderable inconvenience and cost to the patient.

Although various new products continuously appear on the market,utilizing, for example, newer cements or composites for securing thedental prosthesis to the teeth, multiple procedures are still requiredwhich take more than one visit.

Another method of forming a dental prosthesis between two teeth isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,641,670. According to the method describedtherein, a groove is formed in the occlusal surfaces of the two teeth,facing each other. A bar traverses the edentulous space between the twoteeth and the ends are secured within the grooves formed in the teeth.Thereafter, a paste-like filling material is inserted into a hollowtooth mold, and the tooth mold is forced over the bar such that the barsupports the tooth mold. Thereafter, the paste-like filling material ispermitted to harden to form a solid tooth structure which is bonded tothe bar. The bar, in turn, is cemented within the grooves in the teeth.Then, the tooth mold is removed, revealing the hardened tooth structurethat has been formed.

With this system, however, it is extremely difficult to obtain accuratefitting of the formed tooth with respect to the gum surface (orgingiva). As a result, a large space remains between the lower surfaceof the formed tooth and the gum surface, which can trap bacteria ladenand decomposable material generally responsible for tissue irritationand decay of adjacent teeth.

Other U.S. patents which disclose the use of transverse bars or the likebetween adjacent teeth, for supporting a dental bridge, are U.S. Pat.Nos. 339,958; 446,769; 1,211,494; 1,262,705; 3,369,509; 1,376,645;1,649,905; 1,688,621; 1,738,460; 2,028,882; 2,213,964; 2,573,804;2,635,338; 2,672,686; 2,835,034; 3,091,032; 3,442,015; 4,163,318;4,360,342; 4,380,432; 4,431,415; 4,445,862; 4,457,714 and 4,474,499.

In regard to providing a screw-threaded adjustment of a false tooth,attention is directed to U.S. Pat. No. 3,787,975. However, adjusting theheight of a tooth in accordance with the teachings of this patent isextremely complex as is the device for achieving this end.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide amethod and apparatus for making a dental prosthesis in a relativelysimple one visit procedure.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method andapparatus for making a dental prosthesis in an extremely economicalmanner, permitting many people who currently cannot afford fixedbridgework to have a missing tooth or teeth replaced with a fixedprosthesis.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a methodand apparatus for making a dental prosthesis which provides an accuratefit between the lower surface of the dental prosthesis and the gingiva.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a methodand apparatus for making a dental prosthesis without substantiallygrinding down adjacent teeth.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method andapparatus for making a dental prosthesis in which only small grooves arerequired to be drilled in the occlusal surfaces of adjacent teeth,thereby avoiding endangering the pulp of such teeth.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide amethod and apparatus for making a dental prosthesis in which dentalmolds specifically configured to the particular patient's mouth are usedto form the dental prosthesis.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a method offorming at least one pontic in situ in an edentulous space definedbetween a first tooth and a second tooth posteriorly positioned withrespect to the first tooth and lightly touching the gum surfacetherebetween, comprises the steps of drilling the distal and occlusalsurfaces of the first tooth to form a first groove; drilling the mesialand occlusal surfaces of the second tooth to form a second groove;positioning a bridge bar assembly including at least one boss and apontic base adjustably mounted on each boss, in the edentulous spacesuch that the bridge bar assembly can be fixedly connected at oppositesides in the first and second grooves; adjusting the at least one ponticbase to a position lightly touching the gum surface in the edentulousspace; placing a mold about the edentulous space; filling the mold witha pontic forming material to form the at least one pontic surroundingthe at least one boss on the bridge bar assembly; making the ponticforming material set; removing the mold; polishing the sides andundersurface of each formed pontic; and cementing the bridge barassembly in the first and second grooves to secure the at least onepontic in the edentulous space.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, for use informing at least one pontic in situ in an edentulous space between afirst tooth and a second tooth, a method is provided of forming a firstmold half which is a direct impression of the buccal side of at leastone of the first tooth and the second tooth and the buccal side of theat least one pontic to be formed, and a second mold half which is adirect impression of the lingual side of at least one of the first toothand the second tooth and the lingual side of the at least one pontic tobe formed, the method comprising the steps of positioning a toothforming core in the edentulous space; applying a mold forming materialto a first back plate; placing the first back plate with the moldforming material thereon against the buccal side of at least one of thefirst tooth and the second tooth and the tooth forming core; permittingthe mold forming material on the first back plate to harden to form thefirst mold half; applying a mold forming material to a second backplate; placing the second back plate with the mold forming materialthereon against the lingual side of at least one of the first tooth andthe second tooth and the tooth forming core; and permitting the moldforming material on the second back plate to harden to form the secondmold half.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, amethod of forming at least one pontic in situ in an edentulous spacedefined between a first tooth and a second tooth posteriorly positionedwith respect to the first tooth and lightly touching the gum surfacetherebetween, comprises the steps of drilling the distal and occlusalsurfaces of the first tooth to form a first groove; drilling the mesialand occlusal surfaces of the second tooth to form a second groove;positioning a bridge bar assembly including at least one boss and apontic base adjustably mounted on each boss, in the edentulous spacesuch that opposite sides of the bridge bar assembly can be fixedlyconnected in the first and second grooves; adjusting the at least onepontic base to a position lightly touching the gum surface in theedentulous space; forming a first mold half which is a direct impressionof the buccal side of at least one of the first tooth and the secondtooth and the buccal side of the at least one pontic to be formed;forming a second mold half which is a direct impression of the lingualside of at least one of the first tooth and the second tooth and thelingual side of the at least one pontic to be formed; placing the firstmold half and the second mold half about the edentulous space; fillingthe edentulous space between the first mold half and the second moldhalf with a pontic forming material to form the at least one ponticsurrounding the at least one boss on the bridge bar assembly; making thepontic forming material set; removing the first mold half and the secondmold half; polishing the sides and undersurface of each formed pontic;and cementing the bridge bar assembly in the first and second grooves tosecure the pontic in the edentulous space.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, anapparatus for forming at least one pontic in situ in an edentulous spacedefined between a first tooth and a second tooth and lightly touchingthe gum surface therebetween, comprises a bridge bar assembly includinga boss having a screw-threaded aperture therein, pontic base meansscrew-threadedly received in the aperture of the boss for adjusting theoccluso-gingival height of the bridge bar assembly with respect to thegum surface of the edentulous space; and first and second mold halfmeans surrounding the edentulous space for forming the at least onepontic therein.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a dentalprosthesis for forming at least one pontic in situ in an edentulousspace between a first tooth and a second tooth and lightly touching thegum surface therebetween, comprises support means disposed forconnection at opposite ends respectively with the first tooth and thesecond tooth, at least one adjustment means adjustably connected on thesupport means and movable towards and away from the gum surface foradjusting the position of the at least one adjustment means with respectto the gum surface before the support means is fixedly connected inassembled position into the first tooth and the second tooth, and firstand second mold half means removably connected on opposite sides of theat least one adjustment means and operatively associated with the atleast one adjustment means for enabling at least one pontic to be formedin the edentulous space between the first tooth and the second tooth.

In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, amethod of forming at least one pontic in situ in an edentulous spacedefined adjacent at least one tooth and lightly touching the adjacentgum surface, comprises the steps of drilling the occlusal surface of theat least one tooth to form at least one groove; positioning a bridge barassembly including at least one boss and a pontic base adjustablymounted on each boss, in the edentulous space such that at least oneside of the bridge bar assembly can be fixedly connected in the at leastone groove; adjusting each pontic base to a position lightly touchingthe gum surface in the edentulous space; placing mold means about theedentulous space; filling the mold means with a pontic forming materialto form the at least one pontic surrounding the at least one boss on thebridge bar assembly; making the pontic forming material set; removingthe mold means; polishing the sides and undersurface of each formedpontic; and cementing the bridge bar assembly in the at least one grooveto secure the at least one pontic in assembled position.

In accordance with a yet further object of the present invention, anapparatus for forming at least one pontic in situ in an edentulous spacedefined adjacent at least one tooth and lightly touching the adjacentgum surface comprises, a bridge bar assembly including a boss having ascrew-threaded aperture therein, and a pontic base screw-threadedlyreceived in the aperture of the boss for adjusting the occluso-gingivalheight of the bridge bar assembly with respect to the adjacent gumsurface; and mold means surrounding the edentulous space for forming theat least one pontic therein.

The above and other, objects, features and advantages will becomereadily apparent from the following detailed description of theinvention which is to be read in connection with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bridge bar assembly according to afirst embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the bridge bar assembly of FIG. 1,partly in cross-section;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the bridge bar assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of the boss and bridge bar of thebridge bar assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a bridge bar assembly according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a bridge bar assembly according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4C is a top plan view of the bridge bar assembly of FIG. 4B;

FIG. 4D is a perspective view of a pontic base according to anotherembodiment of the invention, disassembled from the respective hex shaft;

FIG. 4E is a perspective view of the pontic base of FIG. 4D, inassembled condition with the hex shaft;

FIG. 5 is a perspective blown-apart view of the bridge bar assembly ofFIG. 1 and mold halves according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bridge bar assembly and mold halvesof FIG. 5 in an assembled condition;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing insertion of the assembled bridgebar assembly and mold halves of FIG. 6 in the edentulous space betweentwo adjacent teeth;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view, partly in cross-section, of theassembled bridge bar assembly and mold halves of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the bridge bar assembly of FIG. 1 withthe formed pontic thereon;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the formed pontic assembled in theedentulous space between the two adjacent teeth;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a back plate used to form a mold halfaccording to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the back plate with a mold formingmaterial applied to a surface thereof;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of two back plates with mold formingmaterial thereon assembled on opposite sides of two adjacent teeth andon opposite sides of a tooth forming core positioned in an edentulousspace between the two adjacent teeth;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of one mold half that is formed after themold forming material on a back plate sets;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view, in a partly disassembled configuration,showing the bridge bar assembly of FIG. 1 positioned between two teethand in conjunction with mold halves as shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of the embrasure forming wedge of FIG.15;

FIG. 15B is a side elevational view of the embrasure forming wedge ofFIG. 15A;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the bridge bar assembly of FIG. 1positioned between two teeth and with both mold halves as shown in FIG.14 positioned on opposite sides of the two teeth and secured together inassembled position;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a securing clamp for securing the twomold halves of FIG. 16 together about the two teeth;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the pontic formed with theapparatus of FIGS. 11-17, and secured to the two adjacent teeth;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a bridge bar assembly according toanother embodiment of the present invention for forming one or two teethin an edentulous space between two adjacent teeth;

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of one boss of the bridge bar assembly ofFIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the boss of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is an end elevational view of the boss of FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view, showing assembly of the bridge barassembly of FIG. 19 in an edentulous space between two teeth andsurrounded by two mold halves;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view used for illustrating the formation of twoadjacent teeth with the apparatus of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the formed dental prosthesis inassembled position between the two teeth, with the bridge bar assemblybeing shown in phantom;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a bridge bar assembly according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of a portion of the bridge barassembly of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a top plan view of the bridge bar assembly of FIG. 26;

FIG. 29 is an end elevational view of the boss and bridge bar of thebridge bar assembly of FIG. 26;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a back plate used to form the moldaccording to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the boss of the bridgebar assembly of FIG. 26 at the level of the bracing section, accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a top plan view showing the bridge bar of FIG. 26 withrespect to two adjacent teeth;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the back plate of FIG. 30 with moldforming material thereon assembled on opposite sides of two adjacentteeth and on opposite sides of a tooth forming core positioned adjacentto one of the teeth;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a mold that is formed after the settingof the mold forming material on the back plate of FIG. 31 sets;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the bridge bar assembly of FIG. 26positioned adjacent two teeth and with the mold as shown in FIG. 34positioned on opposite sides of the bridge bar assembly and the adjacentteeth and secured together in assembled position;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing the pontic formed with theapparatus of FIGS. 26-33, and secured to two adjacent teeth; and

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a bridge bar assembly according toanother embodiment of the present invention, having a groove in thepontic base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings in detail, and initially to FIGS. 1-4 thereof,a bridge bar assembly 30 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention generally includes a cylindrical boss 32 with a centrallypositioned screw-threaded aperture 34 extending entirely therethrough.

Although boss 32 is shown as being of a cylindrical configuration, itwill be appreciated that the present invention is not so limited andthat boss 32 may include other configurations, such as a square box-likeconfiguration or the like. A bridge bar 36 extends diametrically fromopposite sides of boss 32. Specifically, bridge bar 36 is formed of afirst bridge bar section 38 extending radially outward from the outersurface of boss 32 and a second bridge bar section 40 also extendingradially outward from the outer surface of boss 32 and beingdiametricallyopposite first bridge bar section 38. As shown in FIG. 4,each bridge bar section 38 and 40 has an upwardly tapered orsubstantially triangular configuration in order to increase the volumeof composite or other plastic or toothlike material to be placed next tobridge bar 36, while providing a sufficiently wide lower surface 42 forsupporting bridge bar sections 38 and 40 in a stable manner withingrooves formed in adjacent teeth, as will be described in greater detailhereinafter. Preferably, first and second bridge bar sections 38 and 40are formed integrally with boss 32, although such sections may beseparately attached to boss 32.

Bridge bar assembly 30 further includes a pontic base 44 having agenerallyconvex shaped lower surface 46. A screw-threaded shaft 48extends from the upper surface 50 of pontic base 44 and isscrew-threadedly received withinaperture 34 of boss 32 to permitvertical adjustment of pontic base 44 withrespect to boss 32.

Bridge bar assembly 30 is used in a method for forming a pontic(pontics) or false tooth (teeth) between a first tooth and a secondtooth posteriorly positioned with respect to the first tooth, saidpontic or pontics resting lightly on the gum surface therebetween.

Specifically, and referring now to FIGS. 5-10, a first method of forminga pontic according to the present invention will be described.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, a pontic (or pontics)52 is formed in situ in an edentulous space defined between a firstanterior tooth 54 (or two anterior teeth) and a second tooth 56posteriorly positioned with respect to first tooth 54 and restinglightly on the gum surface 58 therebetween. Specifically, the distal andocclusal surfaces offirst tooth 54 (or two adjacent teeth) are drilledto form a first groove 60, and the mesial and occlusal surfaces ofsecond tooth 56 are likewise drilled to form a second groove 62. Eachgroove is drilled to an adequate depth. Drilling of the more posteriorof the teeth extends through the mesial marginal ridge, and then up tothe distal marginal ridge. Drilling of the anterior tooth extends throghthe distal marginal ridge and up to the mesial marginal ridge. A number35 inverted cone bur or similar bur can be used for drilling thegrooves. Each groove 60 and 62 faces the other for receiving the freeends of first and second bridge bar sections 38 and 40, respectively.

Excess lengths of bridge bar sections 38 and 40 are then cut so that thelatter can fit within grooves 60 and 62, respectively, as shown in FIG.8,with pontic base 52 centered between teeth 54 and 56.

In this regard, the lower surface 42 of each bridge bar section 38 and40 rests on the occlusal floor of the cut-away portion of each toothwhich defines grooves 60 and 62. Pontic base 44 is screw-threaded upinto the boss 32 so that the base position rests lightly on the gumsurface in the edentulous space between first and second teeth 54 and56, while the lowersurface 42 of the bridge bar rests on the occlusalfloor of the grooves in the teeth. Preferably, pontic base 44 isscrew-threaded down into light contact with the gum surface, as shown inFIG. 8. In this regard, it is noted that pontic base 44 is preferablyfabricated from a highly polished metal so as to substantially preventplaque retention on lower surface 46 thereof.

The means of raising and lowering said pontic base 15 is not to belimited to a screw mechanism but could also be a vertically slidingmechanism, such as a hex, square, rectangular or other odd-shaped shaft48a which is non-rotatably inserted into a corresponding bore 34a ofboss 32 and into pontic base 44a and slid up and down into boss 32, by afriction fit, as shown in FIG. 4A. In either the case of thescrew-threaded arrangement of FIGS. 1-4 or the hex-shaped shaft of FIG.4A, the shaft 48 or 48a could bemade to extend above boss 32 to beengaged for turning or sliding movement to move pontic base 44a downwardto rest lightly on the gum, when bridge bar 36 is positioned to rest onthe occlusal floors of grooves in the adjacent teeth. If a friction fitmethod is used for vertical adjustment, the shaft is slid gingivallythrough the bridge bar bore until pontic lower surface 42 rests lightlyon the tissue.

As still another alternative, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, in additionto the screw-threaded arrangement of FIGS. 1-4, and the friction fittedhex shaft of FIG. 4A, a mechanically held arrangement can be provided.For a lower tooth (or teeth) replacement, a wire or plastic mesh core53b is attached to pontic base 44b, specifically to nub 44x, andconnected via a plastic locking material 51b. The lower surface ofpontic base 44 is placed properly positioned on the gingival surface.Bridge bar 40 is positioned in the grooves in the teeth. As shown inFIG. 4C, a flat rectangular metal or plastic locking tab 48b havingholes 49b can now be inserted gingivalward through bore 34b of boss 32.Locking tab 48b is slipped downward until its inferior border rests onthe superior surface of mesh core 53b.

Now, tab 48b is joined to mesh core 53b via the plastic locking material51b. Lastly, bore 34b is filled with the plastic locking material 51b tomechanically bond tab 48b within bore 34b, and the portion of tab 48bextending above boss 32 is cut. The above steps apply to forming a lowerpontic.

The steps would be reversed for forming an upper pontic in that thepontic base would be attached to mesh core 53b, the mesh core 53b tovertical locking tab 48b, and tab 48b placed loosely through bore 34b.Next, the bridge bar 36 is placed within the tooth grooves and held bysoft wax. Holding the pontic base against the gingival edentuloussurface, the locking tab 48b is now locked with plastic locking material51b to mechanically bond tab 48b is now locked with plastic lockingmaterial 51b to mechanically bond tab 48b within bore 34b.

It will be appreciated that variations on the embodiments of FIGS. 4Band 4C can be made. For example, tab 48b can be eliminated and replacedentirely by mesh core 53b which may be moved vertically through bore 34band secured therein by any suitable means, and then trimmed at its upperend. As another example, mesh core 53b can be eliminated, with tab 48bconnected directly to pontic base 44b. The important aspect of theinvention is that pontic base 44 is vertically adjustable via the shaftsothat it rests lightly on the gum before finally securing the shaft tothe bridge bar.

In all of the above embodiments, different pontic bases 44 havingslightly different convex shaped lower surfaces 46 may be removed fromand separately attached to screw-threaded shaft 48, hex-shaft 48a, tab48b or mesh core 53b, to permit better selection of pontic shapes whichrelate both to the gum ridge and the adjacent teeth 54 and 56.

Alternatively, the lower surface of the pontic base 44' can be flatand/or have a ridge lap 46', as shown in FIGS. 4D and 4E. Ridge lap 46'of ponticbase 44' is provided on the buccal side to more accuratelypermit the composite buildup to simulate a real tooth. Pontic base 44'may be made inan assortment of shapes to account for different ridgeshapes. With this embodiment, it is preferable to use a speciallycreated diamond high (or low) speed bur to create a pre-shapedsuperficial abrasion or indentation in the ridge, which will healrapidly and when healed, conform to the highly polished undersurface ofthe pontic base. Ideally, the shape of theportion of the diamond burwhich creates the tissue indentation as seen in profile is a longellipse, and the three-dimensional shape seen in profileis an attenuatedoval. As also shown in these FIGURES, pontic base 44' is formed with abore 45' extending therethrough, whereby a hex shaft 48' canbe removablysecured thereto.

Returning to placement of the bridge bar assembly, after adjustment ofthe shaft and pontic base vertically, wax is used at the free ends offirst and second bridge bar sections 38 and 40 to secure them in placewithin grooves 60 and 62, respectively. In addition, a small portion ofwax, acrylic or composite can be used around shaft 48 to preventrotation of the latter within boss 32 after pontic base 44 has beenadjusted.

In accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, twomold halves 64 and 66 are provided, each having an arcuate configurationwhich,when positioned adjacent each other, form a cavity within whichpontic 52 is formed. In this regard, each mold half includes an aperture68 and 70, respectively, the occlusal most portion which conformssubstantially to the occlusal-most cross-sectional configuration offirst and second bridgebar sections 38 and 40, and is vertically largeenough such that mold halves 64 and 66 may be placed in a gingivaldirection with one mold half on one side of the boss and the other onthe opposite side of the boss, having slid the mold halves onto thebridge bar sections 38 and 40 and positioned in proper relationship tothe occlusal level of adjacent teeth,and to the pontic base 44, as shownin FIG. 6. Preferably, as shown in FIG.5, the lower surfaces of moldhalves 64 and 66 are cut away in an arcuate configuration at 72 and 74,respectively, to permit the convex shaped lower surface 46 of ponticbase 44 to fit therethrough, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8. In addition, theside edges 76 of mold halves 64 and 66 are slightly cut away so that,when mold halves 64 and 66 are supported on first and second bridge barsections 38 and 40, respectively, adjacent side edges 76 are spaced fromeach other, as shown in FIG. 6. It is noted that the mold halves maytake different shapes, but with each mold half having an aperture forreceiving the beam and against which the composite or plastic may bepacked.

Thus, bridge bar assembly 30 is positioned in the edentulous spacebetween first tooth 54 and second tooth 56 such that the ends of firstand second bridge bar sections are positioned and supported within firstand second grooves 60 and 62, respectively. Then, bridge bar assembly 30is adjusted with respect to teeth 54 and 56, as described above, so thatmold halves 64 and 66, filled with a plastic material (like a compositeresin), are positioned on first and second bridge bar sections 38 and40, respectively.

Alternatively, as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 6, apertures 68 and 70can be elongated to the bottoms of mold halves 64 and 66, that is, toarcuate cut-away sections 72 and 74, to form elongated slots 68a and70a, respectively. Then, each mold half 64 and 66 can be packed with theponticforming material and vertically push down into position on bridgebar 36, rendering the procedure easier and simpler.

The pontic forming material is then made to set either chemically orcatalytically. Thereupon, the formed pontic 52 and bridge bar assembly30 are removed from teeth 54 and 56, and mold halves 64 and 66 areremoved from first and second bridge bar sections 38 and 40,respectively, so thatthe product shown in FIG. 9 is produced. At thistime, any final shaping ofpontic 52 is performed, with any flash beingpolished from the undersurfaceand sides of pontic 52. It is an importantaspect of the present invention to provide removal of the assembly shownin FIG. 9 before cementing it in permanently, so that the underside ofpontic base 44 can be polished. The surfaces are polished with discs,burs, pastes or the like. Further, any final color modifications on thebuccal side of pontic 52 is made with composites, plastics and availablestaining techniques. The finished and polished assembly is now ready forfinal insertion into the mouth of the patient.

Specifically, all wax is removed from the free ends of first and secondbridge bar sections 38 and 40 which rest in the occlusal surfaces ofgrooves 58 and 60, and such occlusal surfaces are likewise cleaned ofwax.The finished and polished pontic 52 is now ready for finalinsertion. A small amount of composite paste is placed on the occlusalsurfaces within grooves 60 and 62 to fix the free ends of first andsecond bridge bar sections 38 and 40 therein. This is then chemically orcatalytically cured. Additional composite is then placed over theexposed bridge bar sections 38 and 40 so as to fill grooves 60 and 62.

A thin flexible, non-adhesive "Saran" wrap-like material is then placedover the opposing tooth. The patient then bites down to obtain an exactimprint of the occlusal surface of the opposing tooth. The "Saran"wrap-like material is removed and the composite is made to setchemically or catalytically ("light cure"). The bite is adjusted byremoving any excess from the occlusal surface of pontic 52 withfinishing burrs, and then polishing the same, to produce the resultshown in FIG. 10.

With the present invention according to the first embodiment, the entireprocedure of forming a dental bridge can be performed in a single visit,without the requirement of any laboratory work, with reduced time andwitha greatly reduced cost savings for the patient up to 60% fromconventional methods. In addition, accurate adjustment of theundersurface of pontic 52is achieved with pontic base 44.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-18, there is shown a second embodiment of thepresent invention, in which elements similar to those in the firstembodiment of FIGS. 5-10 are represented by the same numerals, and adetailed description thereof will be omitted herein for the sake ofbrevity.

In accordance with the second embodiment, the same bridge bar assembly30 is used, but in conjunction with different mold halves. Specifically,in order to form the mold halves according to the second embodiment ofthe present invention, a perforated flexible backing plate 78, which isat least 1.25-1.5 inches long is provided for forming each mold half.Each perforated backing plate 78 has a slightly arcuate configuration,thereby conforming to the arcuate arrangement of first tooth 54, secondtooth 56 and the pontic to be formed therebetween. Each perforatedbacking plate 78also includes a plurality of apertures 80 therein.

In accordance with the present invention, for forming the mold half onthe lingual side of teeth 54 and 56, a mold forming material 82, such assilicone, rubber, polysiloxane or any other impression material, isapplied to the convex inner surface of a backing plate 78 (the lingualmold) with a thickness of, for example, 3 mm, and for forming the othermold half on the buccal side of teeth 54 and 56, the same mold formingmaterial 82 is positioned on the concave surface of a second backingplate78. Hereinafter, the buccal side backing plate will be referred toby numeral 78a and the lingual side backing plate by numeral 78b.

Before applying mold forming material 82 to plates 78a and 78b, however,two embrasure forming wedge 45 (FIG. 15A), shaped specifically toprovide adequate cleansing space upon their removal, are placed on themesial surface of the distal or posterior tooth 56, at the gingiva, andon the distal surface of the front or mesial tooth 54 at the gingiva.These wedges are tack bonded onto the teeth 54 and 56 after being shapedto curve slightly onto the buccal and lingual surfaces thereof.

A tooth forming core 83 is then positioned within the edentulous spacebetween first and second teeth 54 and 56 and held by wax to teeth 54 and56. Tooth forming core 83 may be a preformed core chosen from a numberof different configurations. Alternatively, tooth forming core 83 can beformed from a ball of wax configured in the approximate shape of thepontic 52 to be formed.

Thereafter, backing plates 78a and 78b with the mold forming material 82thereon are positioned against the buccal and lingual sides of first andsecond teeth 54 and 56 and tooth forming core 83, as shown in FIG. 13.U-shaped metal clamps 84 extend over the occlusal surfaces of teeth 54and56 and engage the free surfaces of backing plates 78a and 78b tosecure thelatter against the buccal and lingual sides of first andsecond teeth 54 and 56 and tooth forming core 83. The ends of clamps 84are preferably bent inwardly to better grip backing plates 78a and 78b.Further, in orderto better grip plates 78a and 78b, the mold formingmateral may also be placed on the sides thereof facing away from theteeth before placing the clamp. In addition, a lanyard 86 is securedwithin an aperture 88 of each clamp 84 to readily permit removal ofclamps 84 from the mouth of the patient and to prevent swallowing theclamp. The mold forming material on backing plates 78a and 78b is thenpermitted to set for approximately three minutes or slightly longer,whereupon clamps 84 are removed to permit removal of the formed buccalmold half 90 and lingual mold half 92.To prevent the mold formingmaterial 82 from sticking on the surfaces of teeth 54 and 56 and toothforming core 83, the latter can be painted with an oil.

Thereafter, tooth forming core 83 is removed, and grooves 60 and 62 areformed in teeth 54 and 56 in the identical manner as described in thefirst embodiment of FIGS. 5-10. Bridge bar assembly 30 is thenpositioned in the edentulous space such that first and second bridge barsections 38 and 40 are positioned and supported within grooves 60 and62, respectively. Then, pontic base 44 is screwed occlusally, or slidocclusally up into the boss, and adjusted until the undersurface ofponticbase 44 rests lightly on the gum surface in the edentulous spacebetween teeth 54 and 56. Preferably, the pontic base can be adjusted bysliding orturning element 48 where it extends occlusally through theboss, and adjusting it gingivally. A small amount of wax can be used tosecure firstand second bridge bar sections 38 and 40 within grooves 60and 62, respectively.

With bridge bar assembly 30 so positioned, as shown in FIG. 15,embrasure forming wedges 45 are inserted at the gum level between ponticbase 44 andadjacent teeth 54 and 56. As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, eachembrasure forming wedge 45 has a triangular cross-sectionalconfiguration and is formed with a concave upper surface 45a. Suchembrasure forming wedges aidin more accurately defining the pontic to beformed. Buccal and lingual mold halves 90 and 92 are then positionedabout first and second teeth 54 and 56 and about the edentulous spacetherebetween. Then, U-shaped clamps 84 again are inserted about moldhalves 90, 92 to clamp the same about first tooth 54 and second tooth56, as shown in FIG. 16. The edentulous space between first and secondteeth 54 and 56 and between mold halves 90 and 92 is then filledgradually with a pontic forming material, such as a plastic, or resincomposite paste, made to set until the material extends above theocclusal surfaces of teeth 54 and 56, to form a pontic 52 surroundingboss 32 on bridge bar assembly 30. After the pontic forming material ispermitted to chemically or catalytically set to form pontic 52, U-shapedclamps 84 and mold halves 90 and 92 are removed. The bridge bar withpontic base are now removed and the flash (excess plastic or composite)removed and the sides and undersurface of the pontic base polished aspreviously described. At this time, any final color modifications on thebuccal side can be made with the composite paste, or by availablestaining techniques.

Accordingly, pontic 52 is formed surrounding bridge bar assembly 30, asshown in FIG. 9, and is assembled with respect to first and second teeth54 and 56 in an identical manner to that previously described withrespectto the first embodiment of FIGS. 5-10, with the additional stepof removingthe aforementioned embrasure forming wedges. The end resultis shown in FIG. 18. Another way of forming the pontic is only using thelingual backing plate, finger held, and embrasure forming wedges, andbuilding up the composite toward the buccal side by hand, shaping andcuring as one builds up. Final color modifications and staining arehandled the same way.

It is noted that, with both of the first and second embodimentsdescribed above, a single pontic 52 is formed for filling a one toothedentulous space. However, it is possible to utilize the invention ofthe first and second embodiments with respect to a situation where thereis a two tooth edentulous space.

Referring now to FIGS. 19-25, there is shown a third embodiment of thepresent invention, in which elements similar to those described abovewithrespect to the first and second embodiments will be identified bythe same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will beomitted herein for the sake of brevity.

Referring first to FIG. 19, a modified bridge bar assembly 94 generallyincludes at least one boss 96 of a generally rectangular configurationandhaving a slot 98 extending entirely therethrough, in the lengthwisedirection thereof, for receiving a single bridge bar 100. Preferably,bridge bar 100 has a substantially triangular cross-sectionalconfiguration as with bridge bar 36, and each slot 98 has a similarconfiguration. In this manner, each boss 96 is supported and can be slidalong bridge bar 100. Further, one side wall of each boss 96 includes ascrew-threaded aperture 102 extending entirely therethrough, and a setscrew 104 is screw-threadedly received within each aperture 102. In thisregard, set screw 104 can be screwed into engagement with bridge bar 100to retain the respective boss 96 on bridge bar 100 in a fixed position.The lower surface 106 of each boss 96 includes a screw-threaded aperture108, and a pontic base 44 which is identical to pontic base 44 of thefirst two embodiments has a screw-threaded shaft 48 extending from theupper surface 50 thereof screw-threadedly received within the apertureat the lower surface of each respective boss 96. Generally, bridge barassembly 94 is more versatile than bridge bar assembly 30, since itreadily permits more than one boss 96 thereon and provides adjustment ofeach boss in the lengthwise direction with respect to bridge bar 100.Alternatively, one boss may be fixed and the other one movable on bridgebar 100. The external shape of the boss may vary.

In accordance with the third embodiment, a buccal mold half 112 and alingual mold half 114 are formed in the same manner as described in thesecond embodiment with respect to mold halves 90 and 92, the differencebeing that, in the third embodiment, a two tooth edentulous space areais covered by mold halves 112 and 114.

To form the dental prosthesis, bridge bar assembly 94 is positionedwithin the edentulous space between first tooth 54 and second tooth 56.Where there are two abutment teeth adjacent on either side of theedentulous space, it is preferable to have bridge bar 100 longer,passing into both teeth, be they posterior and/or anterior to the space.

Then, each boss 96 is slid along bridge bar 100 to the desired positionandfixed thereat by means of set screws 102. Each pontic base 44 is thenscrewed up into the undersurface of boss 96 and the assembly tested forproximity of fit of the base 44 to rest light on the gum surface. If thebar part of the assembly does not fit on the occlusal floor of thegrooveswhen the pontic bases touch the gum, then the screw and base areremoved and shortened until the screw portion is short enough to permitthe transverse beam 100 to rest on the floor of the grooves while thepontic bases lightly touch the gum. Then, mold halves 112 and 114 aresecured to the buccal and lingual sides of first and second teeth 54 and56 by U-shaped clamps 84. The edentulous space between first tooth 54and secondtooth 56 and between mold backing halves 112 and 114 and themold itself (which was formed previously by wax shaping the two ponticsand then usingan elastic material like a polysiloxane to pick up the waxshape of the future pontics) is now filled with a pontic formingmaterial. The pontic forming material is made to chemically orcatalytically set, whereupon clamps 84 and mold halves 112 and 114 areremoved. The remainder of the operation is identical to that previouslydescribed in regard to the embodiment of FIGS. 5-10 and need not bedescribed in detail. The end result is shown in FIG. 25. It is notedthat the method of FIGS. 1-10 can also be used with this embodiment.

It will be realized that various modifications can be made to thedescribedinvention within the scope of the claims herein. For example,boss 32 can be eliminated, with shaft 48 being screw-threaded directlyinto bridge bar36, in the first and second embodiments. Also, thepresent invention can bemodified to operate in a cantilevered fashionfrom only one tooth.

While all of the above embodiments of the invention have related to theformation of at least one pontic in an edentulous space existing betweentwo teeth, the present invention is not so limited. Thus, for example,thepresent invention can be used to form a pontic with two adjacentteeth, that is, secured to the teeth in a cantilevered fashion, wherethe edentulous space is posterior to the remaining teeth, and a singlepontic tooth is needed to occlude with an opposing tooth.

Referring now to FIGS. 26-34, there is shown a fourth embodiment of thepresent invention, in which a pontic is formed with a single tooth orpreferably two teeth in a cantilevered manner. Specifically, a bridgebar assembly 130 is used which is substantially identical to bridge barassembly 30 of the first two embodiments, in which elements similar tothose of bridge bar assembly 30 are represented by the same numeralsaugmented by 100, and a detailed description thereof will be omittedherein for the sake of brevity. Basically, bridge bar assembly 130 isidentical to bridge bar assembly 30, with the exception that bridge bar136 is formed with only a first bridge bar section 138 extending fromone side of boss 132. In other words, bridge bar section 138 of bridgebar assembly 130 corresponds to bridge bar 38 of bridge bar assembly 30,and there is no bridge bar section corresponding to bridge bar section40 of bridge bar assembly 30.

Further, bridge bar section 138 extending from one side of boss 132 ispreferably elongated so as to span two adjacent teeth 154 and 156. Inthisregard, a bracing section 139 is integrally formed with boss 132toward thegingival side of bridge bar section 138 for providingadditional support for the same. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 31 and32, bracing section 139 is provided so that sufficient pontic formingmaterial is provided about the pontic base and boss. Preferably, bracingsection 139 has a width equal to the width of bride bar section 138 andthe lower surface 141 thereof is slightly inclined occlusally at a smallangle so that thereis sufficient space for interdental cleansing if boss132 is positioned close to pontic base 144. It is also preferable tosomewhat flatten the distal side of tooth 154, as shown at 154a in FIGS.31 and 32, to provide greater strength to the assembly.

The formation of the pontic with bridge bar assembly 130 is similar tothatpreviously described in the second embodiment of the presentinvention. Specifically, a perforated backing plate 178, as shown inFIG. 30, is formed of a metal material. Backing plate 178 is formed in asubstantiallyU-shaped configuration and has inturned ends 179 at thefree ends thereof which face each other. As with the second embodiment,it is necessary to form a mold for the tooth. Thus, a mold formingmaterial 182 is applied tothe inner surfaces of backing plate 178. Moldforming material 82 may be a silicone, rubber, polysiloxane or any otherimpression material and is preferably applied with a thickness of, forexample, 3 mm.

Before applying mold forming material 182 to the inner surfaces ofbacking plate 178, a tooth forming core 183 is positioned adjacent thetooth 154 and held with wax to tooth 154. Tooth forming core 183 may bea preformed core chosen from a number of different configurations.Alternatively, tooth forming core 183 can be formed from a ball of waxconfigured in the approximate shape of the pontic 152 to be formed. Asecond alternative is to drill the grooves in the two anterior teeth,place the bridge bar assembly, securing it with wax occlusally to thetwo teeth, and then shaping the pontic in wax about the shaft and ponticbase. The impressionswith mold halves are now taken.

Thereafter, backing plate 178 with the mold forming material 182 thereonispositioned against the buccal and lingual sides of tooth forming core183, and preferably the next two adjacent teeth 154 and 156, both ofteeth 154 and 156 being positioned on the same side of tooth formingcore 183, as shown in FIG. 33. A U-shaped metal clamp 184 extends overthe occlusal surfaces of teeth 154 and 156 and engages the free surfacesof backing plate 178 to secure the latter against the buccal and lingualsides of teeth 154 and 156 and tooth forming core 183. As discussedpreviously, it is preferable that the mold forming material also be onthe sides of backing plate 178 facing away from the teeth in order toprovide better grasping thereof by clamp 184. In addition, a lanyard 186is secured to clamp 184 in the same manner as in the embodiment of FIG.17.

The mold forming material 182 on backing plate 178 is then permitted tosetfor approximately three minutes or slightly longer, whereupon clamp184 is removed to permit removal of the formed mold 190, as shown inFIG. 34. As shown, mold 190 has a U-shaped configuration and is formedof the mold forming material 182 and backing plate 178. The innersurfaces of mold 190are defined to conform to first and second teeth 154and 156 and the tooth forming core 183. Thereafter, tooth forming core183 is removed, and a groove 160 is formed in teeth 154 and 156 in theidentical manner as described in the aformentioned embodiments. Bridgebar assembly 130 is then positioned adjacent to teeth 154 and 156 suchthat bridge bar section138 is positioned and supported within groove160. Wherever, possible, the groove would be in two adjacent teeth andthe bridge bar extend into both grooves. Then, pontic base 144 isscrewed or slid occlusally into the bossand tested for proximity to thegum surface adjacent tooth 154. As previously discussed, the shaft canalso be used in a downward adjusting manner if sufficient length extendsthrough the occlusal surface of the boss to hold on to. Lastly, if avertical sliding element is used instead of a screw adjustment, thevertical component would be slid up and down until the pontic baserested lightly on the gum tissue. A small amount of wax can be used tosecure bridge bar section 138 within groove 160.

With bridge bar assembly 130 so positioned, as shown in FIG. 33, mold190 is positioned about first and second teeth 154 and 156 and about thespacesurrounding bridge bar assembly 130. Then, U-shaped clamp 154 isagain inserted about mold 190 to clamp the same about first and secondteeth 154and 156. The cavity surrounding bridge bar assembly 130, withinmold 190, is then filled gradually and completely with a pontic formingmaterial, such as a plastic, or resin composite paste, to a level abovethe occlusalsurfaces of teeth 154 and 156, to form a pontic 152surrounding boss 132 onbridge bar assembly 130, as shown in FIG. 36.After the pontic forming material is made to set chemically orcatalytically to form pontic 152, U-shaped clamp 184 and mold 190 areremoved. Accordingly, pontic 152 is formed surrounding bridge barassembly 130, as shown in FIG. 36, and is assembled with respect tofirst tooth 154, in a manner similar to that described with the previousembodiments. At this time, any final color modifications on the buccalside can be made with the composite paste, or by available stainingtechniques. The pontic-bridge bar assembly is removed, the lower surfaceand sides of the pontic polished and the bridgebar replaced in teeth 154and 156 for final bonded cementation.

Referring now to FIG. 37, there is shown a fifth embodiment of thepresent invention, which is a modification of the aforementioned fourthembodimentof FIGS. 26-34. Specifically, a bridge bar assembly 230 isused which is substantially identical to bridge bar assembly 130 of thefourth embodiment, in which elements similar to those of bridge barassembly 130 are represented by the same numerals augmented by 100, anda detailed description thereof will be omitted herein for the sake ofbrevity. Basically, bridge bar assembly 230 is identical to bridge barassembly 130, with the exception that the convex shaped lower surface246 of ponticbase 244 contains a circumferential groove 247 which isused to provide better retention between pontic base 244 and the formedpontic. This groove should be used on all the pontic bases to improveretention.

Having described specific preferred embodiments of the invention withreference to the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated that thepresent invention is not limited to those specific embodiments, and thatvarious changes and modifications can be effected therein by one ofordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe invention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of forming at least one pontic in situin an eduntulous space defined between a first tooth and a second toothposteriorly positioned with respect to said first tooth, and lightlytouching the gum surface therebetween, comprising the steps of:drillingthe distal and occulusal surfaces of said first tooth to form a firstgroove; drilling the mesial and occlusal surfaces of said second toothto form a second groove; positioning a bridge bar assembly including atleast one boss and a pontic base adjustably mounted on each said boss,in said edentulous space such that opposite sides of said bridge barassembly can be fixedly connected in said first and second grooves;adjusting said at least one pontic base to a position lightly touchingthe gum surface in said edentulous space; placing a mold about saidedentulous space; filling said mold with a pontic forming material toform said at least one pontic surrounding said at least one boss on thebridge bar assembly; making said pontic forming material set; removingsaid mold; polishing the sides and undersurface of each formed pontic;and cementing said bridge bar assembly in said first and second groovesto secure said at least one pontic in said edentulous space.
 2. A methodaccording to claim 1 wherein said step of placing includes the step ofmounting said mold on said bridge bar prior to placing said mold aboutsaid edentulous space.
 3. A method according to claim 2 wherein saidbridge bar assembly includes a bridge bar extending from opposite sidesof said at least one boss and said mold includes first and second moldhalves, each mold half having an aperture therein; and said step ofmounting includes the step of inserting ends of said bridge barextending from opposite sides of said at least one boss through theaperture in the respective first and second mold halves, to mount saidmold halves on said bridge bar.
 4. A method according to claim 3 whereinsaid first and second mold halves each have a lower section disposedrespectively adjacent said gum surface when said bridge bar assembly ispositioned between the first tooth and the second tooth; and said stepof adjusting includes the step of vertically adjusting said at least onepontic base to a position in light contact with the gingival surface. 5.A method according to claim 1, wherein said step of placing includes thestep of placing said mold about said edentulous space and adjacent to atleast one of said first tooth and said second tooth.
 6. A methodaccording to claim 1, wherein said mold includes a first mold half whichis an impression of the buccal side of at least one of said first toothand said second tooth and the buccal side of said at least one pontic tobe formed, and a second mold half which is an impression of the lingualside of at least one of said first tooth and said second tooth and thelingual side of said at least one pontic to be formed; and said step ofplacing includes the steps of placing said first mold half about saidedentulous space and the buccal side of at least one of said first toothand said second tooth and placing said second mold half about saidedentulous space and the lingual side of said at least one of firsttooth and said second tooth.
 7. A method according to claim 6, furthercomprising the step of securing together said first and second moldhalves adjacent at least one of said first tooth and said second tooth.8. A method according to claim 1 wherein said mold includes a first moldhalf which is an impression of the buccal sides of said first tooth andsaid second tooth and the buccal side of said at least one pontic to beformed, and a second mold half which is an impression of the lingualside of said first tooth and second tooth and the lingual side of saidat least one pontic to be formed; and said step of placing includes thesteps of placing said first mold half about said edentulous space andthe buccal sides of said first tooth and said second tooth and placingsaid second mold half about said edentulous space and the lingual sidesof said first tooth and said second tooth.
 9. A method according toclaim 8 further comprising the step of securing together said first andsecond mold halves adjacent said first tooth and said second tooth. 10.A method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of shapingsaid pontic to achieve proper symmetry with said first tooth and saidsecond tooth.
 11. A method according to claim 1, further comprising thestep of applying cosmetic veneer to said at least one formed pontic. 12.A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of makingsaid pontic forming material one of catalytically and chemically set.13. For use in forming at least one pontic in situ in an edentulousspace between a first tooth and a second tooth, a method of forming afirst mold half which is an impression of the buccal side of at leastone of said first tooth and said second tooth and the buccal side ofsaid at least one pontic to be formed, and a second mold half which isan impression of the lingual side of at least one of said first toothand said second tooth and the lingual side of said at least one ponticto be formed, said method comprising the steps of:positioning a toothforming core in said edentulous space; applying a mold forming materialto a first back plate; placing said first back plate with said moldforming material thereon against the buccal side of at least one of saidfirst tooth and said second tooth and said tooth forming core;permitting said mold forming material on said first back plate to hardento form said first mold half; applying a mold forming material to asecond back plate; placing said second back plate with said mold formingmaterial thereon against the lingual side of at least one of said firsttooth and said second tooth and said tooth forming core; and permittingsaid mold forming material on said second back plate to harden to formsaid second mold half.
 14. A method according to claim 13; furtherincluding the step of securing together said first back plate and saidsecond back plate with said mold forming material thereon, adjacent saidbuccal and lingual sides, respectively, of at least one of said firsttooth and said second tooth and said tooth forming core.
 15. A method offorming at least one pontic in situ in an edentulous space definedbetween a first tooth and a second tooth posteriorly positioned withrespect to said first tooth, and lightly touching the gum surfacetherebetween, comprising the steps of:drilling the distal and occlusalsurfaces of said first tooth to form a first groove; drilling the mesialand occlusal surfaces of said second tooth to form a second groove;positioning a bridge bar assembly including at least one boss and apontic base adjustably mounted on each said boss, in said edentulousspace such that said bridge bar assembly can be fixedly connected atopposite sides in said first and second grooves; forming a first moldhalf which is an impression of the buccal side of at least one of saidfirst tooth and said second tooth and the buccal side of said at leastone pontic to be formed; forming a second mold half which is animpression of the lingual side of at least one of said first tooth andsaid second tooth and the lingual side of said at least one pontic to beformed; adjusting said at least one pontic base to a position lightlytouching the gum surface in said edentulous space; placing said firstmold half and said second mold half about said edentulous space; fillingsaid edentulous space between said first mold half and said second moldhalf with a pontic forming material to form said at least one ponticsurrounding said at least one boss on the bridge bar assembly; makingsaid pontic forming material set; removing said first mold half and saidsecond mold half; polishing the sides and undersurface of each formedpontic; and cementing said bridge bar assembly in said first and secondgrooves to secure said at least one pontic in said edentulous space. 16.A method according to claim 15, wherein said step of forming said firstmold half includes the steps of positioning a tooth forming core in saidedentulous space, applying a mold forming material to a first backplate, placing said first back plate with said mold forming materialthereon against the buccal side of at least one of said first tooth andsaid second tooth and said tooth forming core, and permitting said moldforming material on said first back plate to harden; and said step offorming said second mold half includes the steps of applying a moldforming material to a second back plate, placing said second back platewith said mold forming material thereon against the lingual side of atleast one of said first tooth and said second tooth and said toothforming core, and permitting said mold forming material on said secondback plate to harden.
 17. A method according to claim 16, wherein saidsteps of forming said first mold half and said second mold half eachinclude the step of securing together said first back plate and saidsecond back plate with said mold forming material thereon, against andon said buccal and lingual sides, respectively, of at least one of saidfirst tooth and said second tooth and said tooth forming core.